Vashon Rep and Vashon Teen Visionary Ensemble present:
Next to Normal
Music by Tom Kitt, Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Aug 7th-9th: 7pm
Aug 10th: 2pm
Aug 14th-16th: 7pm
Aug 17th: 2pm
Vashon-Maury Grange Hall
Theatrical Teens Stage an Ambitious Summer Musical
Vashon Repertory Theatre (VRT) has embraced a group of Vashon teens focused on producing shows with meaningful content and social commentary. The Vashon Teen Visionary Ensemble (VTVE) aims to use theatre as a form of activism by connecting with material not often seen from teen casts.
The group’s goal is to build an accessible and affordable theatre program for Vashon-Maury Island youth. With a focus on recreational theatre, the program prioritizes youth development over the often stressful environment of high-pressure theatre productions. The program’s framework aims to assure that young actors thrive and find their moments in the spotlight. Every actor is cast in every show, and there are no program fees.
For their initial summer production, the VTVE has chosen Next to Normal, a Tony award winning musical that explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, Next to Normal earned three Tony awards in 2009, a 2010 Pulitzer for Best Musical Score, and critical acclaim from the LA Times, Washington Post, Rolling Stone and the New York Times. Vashon’s teens have undertaken a challenging project with this play, and they’ve been working on it tirelessly since March.
Once the five-member VTVE settled on their musical choice for the summer, they held auditions June 25 at Open Space for Arts & Community. The doubled cast and crew, which allows each participant to play a role, is aged 13 to 17 and includes:
DIANA...Lidia Bojko
DAN...Cal Brown
GABE...Ari Anderson
NATALIE...Ruby Johnson & Moss Star D’Artell
HENRY...Aaron Hansen
DR. FINE...Amelia Stone
DR. MADDEN...Jerry Wang (VRT Chinese intern) & Janus Corriston
ENSEMBLE DANCE CAPTAIN...Amelia Stone
ENSEMBLE...Ruby Johnson, Moss Star D'Artell, Jerry Wang, Janus Corriston, Cal Brown, Ari Anderson
Choreographers...Moss Star D’Artell and Janus Corriston
Stage Manager...Mira Stone
Production Stage Manager.... Maarten Ribalet-Coesel
Technical Director...Mateo Grey
Costumes, hair, makeup....Moss Star D’Artell & Meg Thompson
Vocal Coordinator....Andy James, VHS Theatre Director
VRTs Education Director, Meg Thompson is directing the play which she says, “...was chosen for its themes of mental health disorders, generational trauma, and the impacts of unresolved grief. Despite tiptoeing into fantasy within the delusions playing out, the show is grounded in reality and ultimately focused on a suburban Pacific Northwest family facing issues that audience members might find relatable. Our cast is bringing the show to life with staging that will be an immersive experience for our audience, and we hope that you find something that moves you in this production.”
In addition to VRT, the Teen Musical is supported by Andrea Thompson, Executive Producer, OpenSpace/ORBIT who donated rehearsal space, Vashon Youth & Family Services (VYFS) who is providing free mental health counseling to the teen actors during rehearsals and performances. And the many generous community members who are donating set pieces, tech equipment, costumes, and props.
Next to Normal, recommended for audiences aged 13 and older, will be staged at the historic V-M Grange Hall on Vashon’s North End from August 7 through August 17. August 10 and 17 are 2pm matinee performances. All others are at 7pm. Tickets are available now at Vashonrepertorytheatre.org
There will be one opening night reception for each cast, with desserts, nonalcoholic beverages, and a silent auction each night. All proceeds go to the next Teen production.